Fucoidan

Group of fucose containing sulfated polysaccharides
Fucoidan is a long chain sulfated polysaccharide found in various species of brown algae. Commercially available fucoidan is commonly extracted from the seaweed species Fucus vesiculosus (wracks), Cladosiphon okamuranus, Laminaria japonica (kombu, sugar kelp) and Undaria pinnatifida (wakame). Variant forms of fucoidan have also been found in animal species, including the sea cucumber. Fucoidan occurs in the cell walls of the seaweed plant and serves to protect it from external stresses. The same protective benefits that are of value to the seaweed plant have also found to be of potential benefit for both human and animal health. Fucoidan extracts are utilised in a range of therapeutic health care preparations, being incorporated as high value ingredients in nutritional, medical device, skincare and dermatological products. The bioactivity of fucoidan extracts is largely determined by the fucoidan extraction method and the seaweed species from which it is extracted. Fucoidan extraction methods, purity, bioactivity, global regulatory approvals and source seaweed species vary between fucoidan producers.

Fucoidan containing seaweeds have a rich history of medicinal and therapeutic use. The earliest records have been unearthed at Monte Verde in Chile, where archaeological digs have uncovered evidence of their use dating to circa 12000 BC. Early therapeutic use was also evident in ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. In the 17th century, the English botanist John Gerard noted the use of seaweed to treat a wide variety of ailments. Fucoidan itself was not isolated and described until the early 1900s. In 1913, Swedish Professor Harald Kylin became the first to describe the slimy film found on many seaweeds as ‘fucoidin’ or ‘fucoijin’. The substance subsequently became known as ‘fucoidan’ based on the international naming convention on sugars. Research in the early 20th century focused on extracting crude extracts and reconciling some of the conflicting views on fucoidan. Methods of extracts and isolation of fucoidan from brown seaweeds were determined on laboratory scale by Black et al. at the Institute of Seaweed Research in the UK. Global research opportunities expanded once fucoidan became commercially available in the 1970s from Sigma Inc. Anti cancer effects were amongst the first to be reported by Japanese researchers, followed by effects on immune modulation and then anti tumour, anti viral and anti inflammatory responses. Today, fucoidan continues to be used as a complementary therapy in many parts of Asia, namely Japan and Korea, where it is not uncommon for it to be recommended to patients undergoing treatment for cancer. Interest in, and use of, fucoidan is growing rapidly across the western world as scientific research gains momentum and global regulatory approvals expand. The use of fucoidan as a novel ingredient in dietary supplements, skincare products and functional foods and beverages is increasing.

Over 2300 scientific peer reviewed papers now indicate various bioactive functions of fucoidan. Research has predominantly focussed on the areas of anti cancer, anti viral, anti inflammation, immunity, gut and digestive health, wound healing and anti ageing. Emerging areas of scientific research include microbiome, renal disease, dental health, biomaterials, drug delivery, neuroprotection,

Active fucoidan research occurs in Australia, Japan, Korea, Russia and China in addition to Europe and the Americas. In recent years, certain fucoidan extracts in particular have attained regulatory approvals in a number of global jurisdictions, mainly for use in food and dietary supplements. Some extracts are consumed via energy drinks or within vitamin enriched powdered supplement packets that are mixed into water. A 2019 peer review noted that, as fucoidan’s global awareness and approval continues to rise, the variation in product quality has shifted—both positively and negatively— with some brands manufacturing products devoid of any actual fucoidan extract, yet using the word “fucoidans” to appear attractive to consumers. Global fucoidan producers currently vary in their seaweed harvesting practices, locations and standards, including harvesting wild stocks vs farmed seaweeds, and harvesting in clean ocean waters vs those prone to various forms of contamination.